Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC) has been recognized as one of nine institutions nationwide to receive the prestigious Advising Success Network (ASN) Student Choice Award for Holistic Advising. This honor acknowledges the college's dedication to providing comprehensive, student-centered advising that includes the voices and perspectives of students in shaping their academic journeys.
As a recipient of the ASN Student Choice Award, P&HCC will also receive a $5,000 grant from NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
This funding will be used to further support student engagement and address issues of food insecurity on campus, key challenges faced by many students.
Meghan Eggleston, P&HCC’s Dean of Student Success, explained, "Funds from the award will help us expand initiatives aimed at increasing student engagement and supporting those facing food insecurity.
By strengthening connections between students and the campus community, we believe we can improve retention and create a more supportive environment for all students."
In 2023, P&HCC established the Student Success Division, implementing a tiered holistic advising model designed to foster trust and collaboration between students and their advisors.
This new model integrates various support services including Admissions, Financial Aid, TRIO programs, and Dual Enrollment, creating a seamless and more comprehensive student experience.
Advisors are available to meet students where they are – whether in-person, by phone, Zoom, or email – offering flexible support across multiple platforms.
The college’s advising structure includes both Tier 1 and Tier 2 advisors.
Tier 1 advisors focus on students’ first 15 credits, providing personalized guidance, and ensuring that they are supported in critical areas like Health Sciences, Technical Studies, International Students, and Athletics.
These advisors also connect students to additional resources, such as tutoring, financial aid, and the food pantry. Tier 2 advisors focus on academic and career counseling within specific disciplines, but Tier 1 advisors continue to provide ongoing support throughout a student’s time at P&HCC.
The College Success Coach program is another notable feature, offering specialized assistance to first-generation college students, a group that often faces unique challenges in navigating higher education.
The Student Success Center offers essential resources like a food pantry, meal voucher coupons, clothing for interviews, a textbook lending library, laptop and hotspot loaner programs, and an emergency fund to support students during times of unforeseen financial need.
ASN emphasizes that strong advising is one of the most crucial factors in ensuring student success, particularly for racially minoritized and poverty-affected students.
Holistic advising, which takes into account the whole person, rather than focusing solely on academics, has become a central tenet in the college’s approach to student success.
The Student Choice Award recognizes institutions that have undergone significant advising redesign efforts, led by cross-functional teams and driven by student feedback.
P&HCC’s holistic advising model aligns with ASN’s mission to enhance completion and success for underrepresented student populations, including Black, Latino/a/x, Indigenous, Asian, and Pacific Islander students.
In the photo: Members of P&HCC’s advising team are ready and committed to supporting students from their first campus visit through graduation and beyond.
For more information about P&HCC’s Student Success initiatives, visit www.pandh.edu.
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